The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has been recognized among the top three institutions from member countries of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) globally, in recognition of its strong leadership in financial inclusion policies and efforts to reduce the gender gap in access to financial services.

The recognition was presented through various AFI awards and certificates, including the Maya Declaration Award, which recognizes countries’ achievements in setting, measuring, and implementing commitments to advance financial inclusion.

The Bank of Tanzania was also recognized for its role in implementing the Denarau Action Plan, which places emphasis on advancing financial inclusion for women and taking concrete measures to reduce the gender gap in access to financial services. In addition, the Bank was recognized for its efforts in developing and implementing various policies aimed at narrowing this gap.

The certificates of recognition were received by the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Mr. Emmanuel Tutuba, during the 2026 Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion, held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from 1 to 4 September 2026.

Speaking during a panel discussion themed “Financial Health: The Foundation of a Resilient and Inclusive Economy,” Governor Tutuba shared Tanzania’s experience and progress in strengthening financial health through an integrated digital payments ecosystem, financial sector development policies and strategies, as well as financial literacy and capability programmes.

He emphasized that access to financial services is only the starting point, and that the real impact should be reflected in people’s ability to manage their income and expenditure, save, use credit productively, cope with financial shocks, and improve their livelihoods.

Governor Tutuba was also honoured to present the 2026 Nestor Espenilla Jr. Financial Inclusion Innovation Award to the Bank of Zambia, which won the award.

These achievements reflect the steps being taken by the Bank of Tanzania to strengthen the policy and regulatory environment, promote the use of technology in the delivery of financial services, reduce the gender gap, and ensure that formal financial services reach and benefit a greater number of citizens.

They also demonstrate Tanzania’s progress in implementing the Maya Declaration, which encourages AFI member institutions to set and implement specific and measurable targets to increase access to and use of financial services, while also reducing the gender gap.

The forum was organized by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), which comprises member institutions from 84 countries, and was attended by more than 700 participants from 79 countries.